EF’s top 10 tips for Glastonbury 2017

This week marks one of summer’s most important music events, Glastonbury festival. The festival, which has often been imitated but never duplicated spreads across an enormous site (1,100 acres) and is the host to over 200,000 festival goers, who can enjoy music in over 80 different venues, showcasing all kinds of music, activities, forums and much more…

Glastonbury is probably one of my favourite festivals and its simply because it has anything imaginable on offer. This year the headliners are Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters and Radiohead but before the party begins a fair amount of preparation is necessary. Keep reading if you would like to know my top tips.

1. Come prepared

As I was just saying Glastonbury is a mammoth festival and that comes with its own challenges for example don’t bother turning up with inadequate footwear as the site is merciless and you will spend a large portion of your time walking around it. Opt for comfortable and weather proof shoes as Glasto is famous for its mud baths. The same applies to clothes, bring what you need and remember that evenings can get chilly. Other indispensable items are money, ponchos and food and drink. If you opt for a light travel option you will find almost anything you need on site at the multiple Glastonbury festival shops.

2. Be there for the duration

Once you’re set up its easy to get excited and peak too soon. Don’t be that person! Have a good time but pace yourself or you might end up spending the entire festival in your tent.

3. Radiohead

I am only particularly excited about seeing one act this year and that’s Radiohead. Everyone will have an act they are desperate to see at the festival and for me its them. The band are famed for their incredible shows so I can’t recommend them enough as this will probably be one of the highlights.

Radiohead play the Pyramid stage on Friday night.

4. See at least one act on the Pyramid stage

Yes this sounds cheesy but there is something quite special about being part of that massive crowd and getting submerged in the music, whether you like it or simply want to take part in the atmosphere it’s worth it.

5. Jeremy Corbyn

Whether you love him or hate him, I suspect many people will flock to the main stage to see Jeremy Corbyn, who will be introducing Run The Jewels. Corbyn was set to speak at the festival last year but had to pull out due to the referendum result.

You can see Jeremy Corbyn on the Pyramid stage on Saturday.

6. Don’t stick to the main arena

One of my favourite things about Glastonbury is what you hardly see on TV i.e. Block 9, Shangri-La and the fields. Even though you can watch Glasto from the comforts of your home there is a lot you never get to see! I personally love the magnitude of the stages and constructions at Block 9 and Shangri-La plus these areas always have the most eccentric people of the festival. If you want to see something that you rarely see at other festivals then head here!

7. Explore

Arriving on Wednesday might seem eager but actually it’s a chance to check out all the more remote areas without the huge crowds (believe me this is the busiest festival). Again Shangri-La and Block 9 are great to explore when the festival isn’t too busy but also check out the healing fields and maybe book yourself a bit of pamper session.

8. Don’t stick to a schedule

I can’t stress this enough, it can take up to an hour to walk from one area to another and that’s without a crowd getting in the way. I find the best way to enjoy Glastonbury is to stick to a few core acts that you want to see and then let the festival do its job and take you on an adventure. You will probably meet new friends and discover new bands you didn’t even know existed.

9. Watch the sunrise

Glastonbury has many high points and that means you can catch some incredible sunrises/sunsets. One of my favourite spots to catch the sunrise is by The Park stage as it is one of the highest points of the festival offering spectacular views over the grounds of the festival.

10. Spoil yourself

Whether it is by getting a shower or booking yourself a massage, there is nothing that revives me more than to have one day where I just pamper myself. Getting a massage is one of my favourite things to do especially after so much dancing and walking. You can also indulge in a sauna or hot springs if it gets too cold for you. Whatever it is that you do make sure you enjoy it and let it recharge your batteries.

There you have my top tips for this year but remember whatever you choose to do be nice to other festivalgoers and have an amazing time!